The L3S supports the Open Letter to the European Commission, signed by representatives of leading European research institutions and technology companies – among them L3S Director Professor Wolfgang Nejdl. The letter urges the European Commission to establish clear legal conditions for training large language and AI models in Europe.
The signatories emphasise that Europe’s competitiveness in AI research depends not only on computing power and funding, but above all on a reliable and consistently interpreted legal framework. They call for the text and data mining (TDM) exceptions of Directive (EU) 2019/790 (the DSM Directive) to be recognised as a sufficient legal basis for training AI models on lawfully accessible data. In addition, they request clarification on how technical protection measures (TPM) can be applied in line with these exceptions, without hindering research and innovation.
Another key demand is equal access to AI model development for research institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises, and open-source initiatives alike.
“A clear legal framework is essential for maintaining Europe’s capacity for high-level research and innovation,” says Professor Nejdl. The open letter highlights the need for a strong, innovation-friendly environment that supports trustworthy and competitive AI technologies Made in Europe.
The full letter is available at opensourcellms.eu
